Enough or dearth

THERE are many world energy scenarios on offer for the long term. Some detail the most likely outcome if present consumption trends continue; the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development recently produced a report predicting a worrying situation in 2030. By then, energy demand is likely to have increased to 66% more than its 2002 levels (a 100% increase for natural gas and renewable sources, 60% for oil, 55% for coal). Nuclear power production should remain at present levels, but carbon dioxide emissions will have risen by 70%.